AUBURN, Ala. – We're at the midseason break and it's time to get to know Auburn equestrian's newcomers! The first one for the week is Brooke Jolstad!
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: First-ever winner in the 2022 AQHYA Youth World 14-18 All-Around … 2022 AQHYA World Reserve Champion in Level 2 Western Riding … 2022 AQHYA World Bronze Champion in Level 3 14-18 Horsemanship and in Performance Halter Geldings … 2019 AQYHA World Champion in Level 2 Equitation … 2022 National Championship Youth Horsemanship champion … 2021 National Championship Youth Equitation champion … 2018 AQHYA World Reserve Champion in 13 and Under Horsemanship.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "The minute I walked on to Auburn's campus I knew that it was the place for me. The team and the whole school felt like a family. I could see myself on Auburn's gorgeous campus and I was excited to buy into all of Auburn traditions and culture. I loved how the barn felt like a place you wanted to stay and hang out at even when you are not there for practice. There is also amazing coaches and staff that support the team in very way imaginable."
Q: What is your major, and what do you hope to do with it after college?
A: "My major is professional flight. After college I hope to be a pilot for an airline."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: "My favorite Auburn traditions are all the cheers that we do at the football games and all the time. The minute you realize you know all the words and can yell as loud as you can with all the students around you is the best feeling."
Q: What are you most excited about looking ahead to the spring season?
A: "For the spring season, I am most excited about getting to see the whole team work hard and push ourselves to be the best we can be for championships."
Q: How are you managing being on the team and your class load?
A: "I am managing the balance between my class and the team pretty well. There are definitely times where it gets to be a lot, but there are so many people and resources in place that make it easier to manage everything."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to watch besides equestrian and why?
A: "My favorite sport to watch besides Auburn equestrian is definitely Auburn football. Every football game creates a completely different environment, and you get to see all of the Auburn traditions and culture."
Q: What is your favorite study spot on campus and why?
A: "My favorite place on campus to study is the Student Athlete Development Center. It is so close to the dorms and it is nice to be able to get out of my room and go somewhere to study. I also get to see a lot of my friends when I go there and we study together a lot."
Q: How old were you when you started riding and what are some of your favorite memories from that time?
A: "I started riding horses when I was three-years old on my uncle BJ's retired rope horse, Charlie. Some of my favorite memories from that time were going on trail rides through the mountains and when I was little, we would ride Charlie around with at least four little kids on his back having the time of our lives."
Q: Coming from Colorado, what has been the biggest adjustment so far coming to Auburn?
A: "Coming from Colorado, the biggest adjustment is the weather and the seasons. In the beginning of the semester, it was so hot out and that took a lot of getting used to. Also, at home we get all of the seasons and I have always loved seeing the leaves change and the snow in the winter. So, coming from the 60 degrees it was in Auburn before I left for winter break to 30 degrees and snowing in Colorado was definitely an adjustment."
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: "My go to karaoke song is Sweet Caroline."
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what teammate would you want with you and why?
A: "If I were stranded on an island, I would want Riley Parker with me. She would have great survival skills and knows how to hunt. No matter what was going on at least we would be laughing and having fun."
Q: Which horse is your favorite to ride at Auburn and why?
A: "My favorite horse at Auburn to ride is Rufus. We had a little bit of a rough start, but he is so fancy and adorable that you can't get mad at him. He was also the horse that I won my very first MOP on so he will always be special to me."
